Task Force Davao has new chief

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 7): Task Force Davao has new chief

“Don’t sleep, don’t breathe, don’t embarrass me.” Those were the words addressed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to incoming Task Force Davao chief Col. Nolasco Mempin during the turnover ceremonies held on Aug.30 at the TF Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf.

 

Col. Mempin replaced Colonel Edwin Bernard Neri as head of the army counter-terrorism unit in Davao City.

 

Before heading TF Davao, Mempin a Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990 graduate was the chief of Governance and Strategy Management Office (GSMO), 10^th Infantry Division.

 

He previously commanded the 78^th Infantry Battalion of the 8^th Infantry Division based in Cebu Province.

 

Col. Mempin during the turnover accepted the challenge of the city mayor.

 

He mentioned during his speech the intensification of intelligence and security measures to thwart terrorist activities in the city. Among these measures include setting up of checkpoints and the conduct of visibility patrols in the city.

 

Col. Mempin’s predecessor Col. Neri came as TF Davao chief in the aftermath of the September 2, Roxas Night Market Bombing which claimed the lives of 15 people.

 

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1000111

Heroic soldiers awarded

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 7): Heroic soldiers awarded

President Rodrigo Duterte handed out several awards to distinguished military and civilian personnel of the Eastern Mindanao Command during its 11^th anniversary rites held on September 1 at Camp Panacan in Davao City.

 

The Commander-In-Chief who was Eastmincom’s guest-of-honor handed out Gold Cross Medals to 1^st Lt. Robert Wanawan Jr., 2^nd Lieutenant Dennis Cortejo, PFC Alex Gocela,  SSgt, Dexter Baldisaca and Cpl Renato Antecristo.

 

1^st Lt. Wanawan of the 28^th Infantry Battalion was cited for gallantry in action during an encounter with a group of New People’s Army guerrillas in Lupon, Davao Oriental which resulted in one NPA killed  and the recovery of guns and improvised explosive devcies (IEDs).

 

2^nd Lt. Dennis Cortejo and Pfc Alex Gocela of the 39^th Infantry Battalion were cited for their heroism during an encounter with the NPAs in Kiblawan Davao del Sur which resulted in the death of two guerrillas and the recovery of firearms.

 

SSgt. Baldisaca and Corporal Antecristo of the 25th infantry battalion were recognized for their gallantry in action during a clash with NPAs in Laak, Compostela Valley province which resulted in the deaths of eight guerrillas and the recovery of several firearms, IEDs and paraphernalia.

 

Silver Cross Medals were given by the President to Lt. Co. Arlino Sendaydiego of the 4^th Military Intelligence Battalion for the implementation of Martial Law-Special Action Group (ML-SAG) & Case Operation Plan “HAPSAY” which netted several loose firearms.

 

Also given silver cross were SSgt Arleen Mordeno for her achievements as Indigenous People Desk Non-Commissioned Officer of the 4^th Civil Military Operations Battalion during the peaceful negotiation and other acts as project personnel which resulted to the peaceful surrender of an NPA guerrilla together with two M16 rifles, carbine rifle along seven Milisyang Bayan.

 

A Silver Cross Medal was also given to Col. Adonis Bajao of Joint Task Force General Santos for the successful operation, which netted in Abdulazis Manganbit Tungan alyas Ramram Tungan of Al Khilafa Philippines (AKP), a Maute-linked group.

 

Another recipient of the Silver Cross was the former Task Force Davao chief Col. Erwin Bernard Neri  for the capture of Cayamora Maute. 

 

 

Best Enlisted Personnel was SSg Rey D Tamiok gaining the highest score among the five recommendees with a total accumulated points of 94.22% rated by the Awards and Decorations Board.

 

 

Best Civilian Enlisted award  was given to Ms. Charmaine Calungsod as she gained the highest score with a total accumulated points of 90.26% rated by the awards and decorations board. 

 

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1000112

NPA sabotage of gov't projects deprive poor

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): NPA sabotage of gov't projects deprive poor

Impoverished upland communities in Gingoog City are at the losing end as communist rebels have continued to sabotage government projects aimed at improving the lives of the people.

This according to Gingoog City Mayor Marie Guingona as she accused the New People's Army (NPA) of preventing the local government from delivering basic services to Gingoog's hinterland barangays.

“We have focused on the hinterlands to bring more development and government services, to ensure that they progress along with the city and the rest of the nation,” Guingona told members of the City Peace and Order Council during its quarterly meeting Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 6).

But the local government activities in the upland areas have angered the NPA, Guingona said, citing accounts of harassments and other atrocities.

For instance, the mayor said communist guerillas last month seized a chainsaw that was used to cut trees to build a school facility for the indigenous community in Barangay Bantaawan.

“Reportedly, these armed men were enraged because of the developments that we have brought to these areas – like the classrooms, roads, water system, electricity, livelihood programs and others – and they were urging the people there to case cooperation with the government,” the mayor said.

Police Supt. Joel Lamiing, Gingoog police chief, also scored the NPA for allegedly abducting 10 workers and taking away some PhP1.2 million in cash when they attacked a construction firm on August 25.

Guingona herself and her mother, Ruth, were victims of NPA harassment when the rebels fired on their convoy in Barangay Alatagan in 2013. Two of Guingona's escorts were killed in that ambush.

The mayor appealed to the NPA to let the government do its job so that upland communities will not be deprived of basic services.

Lt. Col. Francis Carandang, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion, said at least three NPA units operate in Gingoog and its boundaries—the Guerrilla Fronts 4A, 4B, and 4C.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008901

Troops arrest Sayyaf man, seize bomb materials

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): Troops arrest Sayyaf man, seize bomb materials

Government security forces arrested a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and seized bomb-making components in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Friday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified the arrested ASG member as Milham Saham, 24, of Barangay Bangkal, Patikul town.

Sobejana said Saham was intercepted and arrested by the troops from the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion at a checkpoint at around 6 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul.

“The troops conducted a checkpoint following reports on the alleged movement of the Abu Sayyaf in the area, resulting in the arrest of Saham,” Sobejana said.

He said that Saham was positively identified by informants as an ASG member under the group of one-armed and the oldest Abu Sayyaf leader, Radulan Sahiron.

He said the troops seized from Saham’s possession several components of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), including an Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) with detonating cord, electrical wires, tapes, and a circuit assembly.

He said Saham is undergoing debriefing at the headquarters of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on Friday reported that 299 ASG members have already been neutralized since the campaign against them started in January this year.

Of the total, 122 were killed, 103 surrendered and 74 were apprehended.

“All means are exhausted by the ground troops to neutralize the bandits who are responsible for the series of kidnappings and atrocities in the joint area of operations,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008975

14 civilians in fatigue uniform nabbed

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): 14 civilians in fatigue uniform nabbed

Military and police authorities here have arrested 14 civilians for wearing military and fatigue uniform complete with insignia and military patches.
Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, said members of “Joint Task Force Talakudong” (Tacurong), conducted checkpoints in major entry and exit points of the city Thursday afternoon.

During inspection, several individuals were found using fatigue uniforms and they claimed to belong to Royal Armed Forces of Peacekeeping Group of Bangsamoro.

“Very suspicious why they were in complete military uniform when they are not authorized,” Cabunoc told reporters in a phone interview.

He identified some of those invited for questioning at Tacurong City police office as Sultan Kayulawan Pandala Pasandalan, Commander Butuan Pandala, both of Barangay Poblacion Tantangan, South Cotabato; and Commander Datumama Zakaria, Sadam Mangagan, both of Barangay Sampao, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat.

They told police and military investigators they were on a mission in Liguasan marshland to ensure peace and development.

Cabunoc said the task force confiscated their uniform citing a law that prohibits civilians from unauthorized wearing of fatigue and police camouflage uniform.

The suspects were unarmed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008962

Plans afoot to increase number of all-female CRC in Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): Plans afoot to increase number of all-female CRC in Marawi

Plans are afoot to increase the number of personnel serving in the joint military and police all-female civil relations company (CRC) in Marawi City, a military spokesman said.

This is because displaced people bond easily with the hijab-wearing members of the CRC, as observed by members of the local media and long-time residents of the city, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo, said Wednesday.

Some 100 members of the CRC, all enlisted personnel and officials of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP), were deployed to Marawi City last Aug. 29, forming part of an inter-agency team that will help carry out rehabilitation and recovery programs for internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in the battle-stricken city.

“The CRC may also serve as a mother or elder sister figure to the evacuees, especially the youth, to help alleviate their conditions in various evacuation centers,” Arevalo added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008965

DWDD: CONFIRMED | Promotion of AFP Officials

Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 7): CONFIRMED  |  Promotion of AFP Officials

 

MANILA (DWDD) – Senate President and Commission on Appointments (CA) chair Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (7th from left), Cavite 5th District Representative Roy Loyola (3rd from left), and San Juan City representative Ronaldo Zamora (6th from left) pose with officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose promotions were confirmed during the CA’s plenary session, Wednesday, September 6, 2017. PRIB Photo by Alex Nuevaespaña

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/07/confirmed-promotion-of-afp-officials/

DWDD: CHANGE OF CHIEF OF OFFICE | New PAF Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Plans (A-5)

Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 7): CHANGE OF CHIEF OF OFFICE  |  New PAF Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Plans (A-5)



COL JESUS VILLAMOR AIRBASE, Pasay City (DWDD) – The Philippine Air Force welcomes the new Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Plans, A-5, Colonel Aristotle D Gonzalez PAF (GSC) in a Change of Chief of Office Ceremony held at the New Hall of Flags, Col Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City with the Chief of Air Staff, MGen Romeo N Dela Cruz AFP as the Presiding Officer on September 04, 2017.

Col Gonzalez is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw Diwa” Class of 1992. Prior the designation as the new A-5, Col Gonzalez was also the Deputy of the same office, OA-5.

He also held various positions such as Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group-3, 1st Air Division; Commandant- Philippine Air Force Flying School; Secretary of Air Staff- Office of the Secretary of Air Staff; Director- Office of the Special Studies; and Director Base Facilities, Engineering and Equipment- OA-4. Col Gonzalez was also given privileged to be an International Student at the Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Conus in 2010.

Moreover, Col Gonzalez replaced the outgoing Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Plans, A-5, Col Jeffrey C Hechanova MNSA (PAF) who will assume position as the new Deputy Wing Commander of 3rd Tactical Operations Wing in Zamboanga City. Photo by MSg Bruna PAF / A2C Alberto PAF / MCAG













http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/07/change-of-chief-of-office-new-paf-assistant-chief-of-air-staff-for-plans-a-5/

DWDD: WASAR TEAM | TOG-3 Conducts Search and Retrieval Operations

Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 7): WASAR TEAM  |  TOG-3 Conducts Search and Retrieval Operations

 

CAMILING, Tarlac (DWDD) – The Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 3, headed by Group Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Perfecto R Magalong JR PAF (GSC) led the two-day Search and Retrieval Operations to a reported drowning incident at Barangay Libueg, Camiling Tarlac on September 04 and 05 2017.

TOG 3’s Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Team was tapped by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Tarlac City to perform the rigorous task.

Despite the challenges brought by the unstable weather, the team was able to successfully locate and retrieved the missing body of the victims.

The courageous act to extend a hand to people in need anytime will always be a top priority for the WASAR team. As what the Commanding General PAF once said: “no responsibility more noble than helping people when they need the most”. TOG3 / MCAG





http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/07/wasar-team-tog-3-conducts-search-and-retrieval-operations/

DWDD: STAFF VISIT | The Chief Dental Service at NSEO

Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 8): STAFF VISIT  |  The Chief Dental Service at NSEO



NSEO, Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union (DWDD) – The Chief Dental Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Brigadier General Henrico Rennaldo R. Macanlalad AFP made his staff visit to the Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar Dental Dispensary on August 31, 2017.

An Arrival Honor was rendered to The Chief Dental Service during his arrival at the Headquarters of Naval Forces Northern Luzon.

The Chief Dental Service also had a dialogue with the Dental Officers and Enlisted Personnel of the NSEO Dental Dispensary. NPAO / MCAG











http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/08/staff-visit-the-chief-dental-service-at-nseo/

DWDD: NFNL | 15th Development Policy Research Month

Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 8): NFNL  |  15th Development Policy Research Month

NSEO, Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union (DWDD) – The Naval Forces Northern Luzon joins the nation in celebrating the 15th Development Policy Research Month this September 2017. NPAO / MCAG

 

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/08/nfnl-15th-development-policy-research-month/

DWDD: NFEM@26 | Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao celebrates 26th Anniversary

Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 8): NFEM@26  |  Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao celebrates 26th Anniversary



NAVAL STATION FELIX APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – The Naval Forces Eastern

Mindanao (NFEM) celebrated its 26th Founding Anniversary last 04 September 2017 at Naval Station Felix Apolinario with Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph S Mercado, Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, this year’s Guest of Honor and Speaker.

A program proper in the morning was held for the awarding of NFEM personnel and its stakeholders in honor of their vital contribution in the accomplishment of the Command’s mission.

Also awarded was BRP Magat Salamat (PS-20) as Best Naval Operating Asset 2017 of Eastern Mindanao Command in connection with its founding anniversary held last 01 September 2017.

The concluding activity for this year’s anniversary celebration was the Command’s Fellowship Night which include the awarding of winners for NFEM Sportsfest 2017 and the cake-cutting portion of the program presided by Capt Ramil Roberto B Enriquez PN (GSC), Commander, NFEM and Capt Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN (GSC), Deputy Commander, NFEM. NPAO / MCAG







http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/08/nfem26-naval-forces-eastern-mindanao-celebrates-26th-anniversary/